Fuzzi Day – Health | Home | Living

Many different factors affect the appearance of your teeth and influence the way you feel about your smile. Yellow or discoloured teeth, crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, pointy and uneven teeth, gaps in your teeth and cracked and broken teeth can all affect the appearance of your smile. These issues may have occurred due to several different reasons including lifestyle choices such as smoking and consuming sugary foods, coffee, red wines and cola. An important factor that can affect the appearance of your teeth is poor oral hygiene or avoiding the dentist over a long time. The appearance of your teeth can alter with age, as a result of certain illnesses and medication or by trauma to your mouth.

Over the last few decades, it has become more accessible and convenient to address such issues at the dentist Dublin thanks to significant advances in dental technology amongst all fields of dentistry.

Whether you require restorative treatment or cosmetic dentistry to address the issues affecting the aesthetics of your smile, by speaking to your dentist and booking an examination and consultation, the dentist will be able to find out whether you have any underlying dental conditions that may need to be treated. Or, if your teeth are clean and healthy, then your dentist could recommend which forms of cosmetic treatment may be suitable to help you improve the aesthetics of your teeth.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a highly popular form of cosmetic dentistry which is commonly carried out either in the dental practice itself or in the comfort of your own home, depending on the treatment type that you are looking for and the extent of treatment that you require.

Teeth whitening kits which are made up of a combination of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide can be prescribed by your dentist. They are usually in the form of a gel that works as a bleaching agent and is worn in your mouth using whitening trays. This has to be worn for a certain amount of time during the day and also overnight whilst you sleep. In this way, you can gradually improve the colour of your teeth until you have reached the shade you are looking for or the saturation point of whitening your teeth. If you have a special occasion coming up and need your teeth whitened quicker, then you could consider teeth whitening at your dental practice which involves a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and is carried out carefully by your dentist providing instant results.

If the appearance of your teeth cannot be improved by teeth whitening procedures alone, there are many other options that you may like to consider including veneers which are a popular form of transforming the smile. Veneers are porcelain shells that cover the entire surface of your teeth and help address all types of imperfections which may be affecting the way you feel about your teeth. Find out more about the different types of cosmetic dentistry that can help improve the aesthetics of your teeth so that you can smile happily and confidently again very soon.

When most people think of orthodontic work, they picture a straighter smile and all of the social graces that such a thing brings. And, while it is important to not undermine the advantages that having a straighter smile can bring you, such as better social skills, more confidence and a better sense of wellbeing, other things can be obtained by straightening your teeth.

In your adult years, many physical health benefits can be gained by undertaking orthodontic work, even if it is with an aligner like Invisalign.

What are some of the most overlooked health benefits of wearing Invisalign or other invisible braces Clapham? Read on to find out!

 

Better digestion

Yes, you read that correctly!

Having misaligned teeth can create havoc with your digestion.

Why? Because teeth that do not mesh together are less likely to be able to bite into and break down food as needed. This means that when the food reaches your stomach, it is less broken down, usually larger than it needs to be and digestion becomes less efficient.

To compensate, your stomach will create excessive amounts of stomach acid, causing acid reflux, heartburn and even nutrition issues.

By straightening your teeth, you are less likely to suffer from any of these problems and will be able to throw out those after dinner antacids!

 

Better oral health

 

As your dentist may have told you, having misaligned, spaced or overcrowded teeth can make it harder for you to brush your teeth.

Teeth that are harder to brush are more likely to suffer from plaque accumulation and a whole host of secondary effects such as gum disease and cavities.

Straightening your teeth, even by a few millimetres, can make it much easier to brush, floss and even rinse your teeth with mouthwash, thus improving your overall oral health.

 

Better physical health

Plaque is bad, not only for your teeth but also for your body.

And, if you have too much plaque in your mouth due to poor brushing, you are more likely to suffer from gum disease which will cause your gums to become more sponge-like. This will allow harmful bacteria access to your bloodstream. As you may have read, plaque in the bloodstream has been linked to a myriad of health issues like cardiovascular disorders, cancers and even a heightened risk of strokes.

By wearing an aligner, you reduce these hidden areas of plaque from being unnoticed and may actually save yourself from a lot of secondary health complications.

 

Better nutrition

As mentioned earlier, if you have misaligned teeth, you may have difficulties with digestion.

But, if you are fed up with having bite issues or having bits of food stuck in your teeth after meals, you may be avoiding the consumption of healthy foods altogether, such as corn on the cob or apples.

And, while the results won’t be immediate, as your teeth straighten with the use of an aligner, these issues will occur less often and allow you to consume a wider array of foods, thus resulting in better nutrition and improved health!

 

Whether you have had a dental infection or have just had trauma to your teeth, it can seem less than ideal when a dental team suggests a root canal.

Although they have more than 100 years in standard dental practice, root canals are often viewed by dental patients as a scary treatment, which will lead to discomfort and potentially kill the tooth. Of course, this is not what this procedure does!

So, what are 5 things you probably didn’t know about root canals? Read on to find out!

 

It doesn’t kill the tooth

You may have heard via friends or the internet that having a root canal kills the tooth; this is simply not true!

When your dentist St John’s Wood performs a root canal, it is usually done with the emphasis on restoring the tooth to its former glory. The tooth will not change aesthetically (it won’t turn black), it will no longer cause discomfort and it will be strong enough to eat with.

 

It shouldn’t be uncomfortable

Many dental patients worry that a root canal would be painful but, once again, this is not the case.

Many dental patients report a reduction in the soreness of the tooth and surrounding area following endodontics, making it beneficial for discomfort reduction. Once the treatment is complete and the filling or crown has been fitted, you may notice a slight tenderness to the tooth which should subside in a few days.

If it doesn’t, contact your dental team.

It can sometimes be tricky!

It sounds so simple on paper; your dental team drills down to the roots of your tooth and removes the infected pulp.

But, oftentimes, it can be a bit trickier than that! With genetic variation comes a difference in root shape and depth, meaning that, following an initial assessment for a root canal, your dental team may need to take a different approach. As a result, these kinds of root canals can take longer to fit but should still yield the same defence against infection.

 

It can help with sensitivity

It may not be the first solution that your dental team tries, but if you have an issue with sensitive teeth, it may be an option to attempt a root canal.

Why? Because sensitive teeth are usually caused by microscopic holes that lead from the exterior of the tooth to the pulp, thus causing discomfort when exposed to a hot or cold stimulus.

So, by having the root protected by filling material, a root canal can actually offer protection against oral sensitivity.

 

It should last a long time!

Depending on the complexity of your root canal fitting, you may have concerns that it will fail.

However, if fitted by a trained professional, it should easily last the rest of your life without the filling or crown falling off and, of course, without a recurrence of the infection.

If you notice any discomfort around the tooth where you have had the root canal or are concerned that the infection is coming back, seek immediate medical treatment.

For years, dental researchers around the world have been looking for a way to restore teeth that have been lost through illness, extraction or decay.

And for years, the only options available were things like fitted bridges or dentures, which for a long time, were seen as the crown of restorative dentistry.

In recent years, a jewel has been added to that metaphorical crown in the form of oral implants.

Affixed to the jaw, oral implants are the most permanent solution to missing teeth and once in place, they even feel like regular teeth. And like regular teeth, they require brushing, flossing and biannual trips to your dentist. But they don’t cause sores or ulcers and allow you to laugh, eat and smile with extreme pride.

But, as is the way with most things, there are different types of implants, in case patients do not tick all of the boxes for having regular or endosteal options fitted. In this guide, you will be briefly introduced to the most common types of dental implants Bondi Junction, to help you consider which option may be the best for you.

Endosteal implants

Touched upon earlier, the most common of all implants is the endosteal implant.

Physically, this implant looks like a titanium screw. For it to be fitted successfully, you need to have a healthy jawbone and to be in good overall health.

Once attached to your jaw, it takes between 3-6 months to fuse and can be used to support anything from a single tooth to a full set of dentures.

Provided that you take correct care of this type of implant, it can last for up to 20 years.

Subperiosteal implants

A subperiosteal implant is a bit more complicated to explain as none of the structure is implanted into your jaw!

Subperiosteal implants are useful if someone does not have a good amount of jawbone. The structure is fitted over their jaw (but under their gums), with 4 posts protruding above the gum line once fitted. To these posts, your dentist will attach the prosthetic teeth.

If cared for correctly, subperiosteal implants can last for up to 15 years.

Zygomatic implants

Imagine an endosteal implant, make it 3 times longer and you have a zygomatic implant.

These oral implants are used when a patient needs implants fitting to their upper jaw but they do not have a sufficient amount of jaw bone. And so, this implant is attached to their zygoma bone or cheekbone.

It can take up to 9 months to fuse and with correct aftercare, should last up to 15 years.

Mini or micro implants

Imagine an endosteal implant again, shrink it to around 1/3rd of its size and you have the mini implant.

Attached to the jaw, this implant requires no real fusing time and is only used if the patient has a low-density jawbone. These implants can only be used to support one tooth at a time and have a lifespan of 15 years on average.

DISCLAIMER

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

It is important that everybody cares for their smile, to ensure they hold on to one of their best assets. Everyone wants to be able to smile with confidence and not have to worry about how their smile looks to others. However, that means patients need the support of a quality dentist Richmond to ensure all dental problems are addressed, often before they even properly arise. Having an excellent working relationship with a dentist can allow patients to smile with confidence for a very long time. Dentists strive to offer their patients the best level of support when it comes to dental treatments. The time is always taken to get to know each individual patient and their own unique dental condition, this way the right level of intervention and prevention can be used to keep patients in good oral health for as long as possible. The results of visiting a well-qualified dental professional at regular intervals will show in the quality of life enjoyed by patients who do not have to undergo a plethora of procedures due to poor dental upkeep.

 

What treatments should I consider?

There are many different treatments that can be offered to patients of a dentist.  A dental professional will work with patients to determine which treatment options could get them to an optimal level of dental health and aesthetics. These different treatments have been formed to give patients the best opportunities when it comes to looking after dentition. If one of the things a patient is looking for is to transform their smile, then a dentist may recommend cosmetic treatments. These could range from white fillings and teeth whitening to gum contouring and porcelain veneers. Smile makeovers are available alongside CEREC. Restorative treatments such as bridges, dentures, denture stabilisation, crowns, inlays and onlays are also very important. Other forms of dentistry which should be accessible for patients are those involved in preventive care. Specific help can be given to those with sensitive teeth, children and pregnant women. All of this is available alongside more traditional dental treatments, used to keep patients’ smiles perpetually wholesome. Patients will be invited to work with their dentist to get the best level of treatment available for themselves, as treatment plans are very often a collaboration.

 

What are my next steps?

Patients looking for a highly trained professional to take care of their smile, should consider contacting the dentist of their choice to organise an appointment. Dental practices want each of their patients to be able to access their dental care with ease. Simple to use websites are on hand so patients know exactly what to expect when they come for their chosen treatment. They should normally have access to their chosen practice either using the website or by calling their reception directly. Everybody should have access to premier dental care and be able to enhance their smile. The choices made surrounding dental treatment can impact oral health at every stage of life, so it is important to make the right choices early on. People thinking about getting the right level of support should make their call today, looking after smiles is what dentists do best.

A modern day orthodontist Stoke-on-Trent has the ability to offer their patients a whole host of different treatment plans when it comes to straightening their teeth or realigning their bite.

This means that children and adults alike are able to have their expectations met throughout and after their teeth straightening journey, making the entire process a whole lot more enjoyable.

The needs of a child to an adult differ when it comes to oral health care, especially should braces be needed, which generally tend to be a relatively lengthy procedure. For children, it is important to ensure that the treatment provides the best possible outcome so that they can enjoy a normal and healthy smile as quickly as possible.

Teenagers and adults may have hang-ups about their appearance throughout the procedure, especially when it comes to traditional, fixed devices. Adults may be under the impression that their professional and personal ventures could be disrupted as they straighten their teeth if the device is not discrete enough.

 

Discrete options

Thankfully, discrete, convenient options are available for those who need them, allowing everyone who needs to straighten their teeth the confidence to do so.

Such discrete options can be fixed or removable. Fixed options can be attached to the front of the teeth like traditional options are, but made from a ceramic material that is the same colour as teeth.

The one truly invisible option is yet another fixed device and is attached to the back of a patient’s teeth. These lingual braces are not suitable for everyone, so if this is something of interest, it is important that an individual discusses this option with their dentist so that they are able to determine whether they are viable for this kind of treatment.

Invisalign

Perhaps one of the more popular options for both teenagers and adults is the removable device known as Invisalign. Enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, there is a huge support base available and the research is constantly evolving meaning that the treatment plan itself is on point and relevant.

Because Invisalign needs to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours each day in order to be effective, a person’s willingness to go through this teeth straightening journey and their motivation to stick with the plan is critical for success. If the idea of wearing aligners is intriguing yet there is a hesitancy surrounding one’s motivation, perhaps the indicator system that allows patients to see whether they are wearing their device for long enough each day would be an important addition. These features and many more are available upon request, ensuring that the teeth straightening treatment plan is tailor made to suit the individual’s needs.

By straightening teeth, people can enjoy an improved state of health, not only emotionally, but physically as well. This is because straightened teeth are easier to clean as there are no hard to reach places where teeth are tightly packed together or crossed over. Teeth are also simply able to work as they should, which has a positive flow-on effect for an individual’s entire smile and health.

What is considered to be a regular appointment?

To begin with, when talking about regular visits to the Dentist Fulham, this does not mean every couple of weeks for a general check-up. The regular check-ups can range anything from 6 to 12 months apart so do not worry about fitting another important appointment into your daily life. These general dental checkups are therefore not to be a burden but something easily fitted around your daily life once or twice a year.

Please be aware that this is only for the general checkups, if receiving treatment or undergoing a procedure the checkups will be more frequent and discussed with you during your appointment.

Why these checkups are of great importance.

Preventive dental care is the way forward within modern dentistry. This is where the regular checkups come into play. Daily oral hygiene routines at home rely on an effective and efficient process but unfortunately, with society leading busier daily lives the deep clean can often be put aside and a quick brush twice a day put in its place. Whilst brushing the teeth is of course of extreme importance, it, unfortunately, is not good enough on its own as both manual and electric toothbrushes are unable to get between the teeth where food debris gets caught leading to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated.

By visiting the dental practice once or twice a year, the dental team can discover where the downfalls are within the patient’s oral hygiene routine and address any issues that may start appearing. By imparting their knowledge onto the patient and advising them accordingly on the best cleaning methods, the need for treatments and procedures further down the line is reduced and in some cases eliminated altogether. Preventing more intensive treatments is the goal for everyone so working together at home and within the dental practice is important.

How do these appointments help with bad breath and plaque build-up?

Whilst patients may consider their own oral hygiene routine to be extremely efficient, there are always areas that can be approved. If suffering from bad breath for instance, which is more common than people realise, then it is most likely down to the patient’s lifestyle and hygiene routine. It may be that the patient only brushes their teeth and does not floss or use interdental brushes. Whilst mouthwash is often promoted as conquering 99% of plaque it is not enough to just use this after brushing. Interdental brushes and flossing enables the patient to get in between the teeth where a plaque tends to build up. This in turn can cause an odour to the breath if left untreated. During the checkup, a clean of these areas will always be carried out and in some cases, a referral to the hygienist will be made to ensure that the existing plaque is reduced and eliminated.

Please note, all dental treatments and procedures carry potential risks and it is therefore important to discuss any mentioned in this article in further detail with your local dental team.

Orthodontics Navan is the branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosing, correcting and aligning problem teeth and jaws using braces. Orthodontics offers this treatment option for children and adults alike and enables patients to have the smile they want.

Misaligned teeth are a common issue amongst children and young adults. On average, one third of children require braces in the UK, which keeps orthodontists very busy!

 

What are braces and how do they work?

Braces are made of metal and are attached to the teeth. Their aim and purpose is to align crooked teeth, and resolve any overcrowding of the teeth and underbites or overbites. The result of a brace is that it gives the individual a straight set of teeth that they can be proud of and feel confident about. At the initial consultation the orthodontist will do a thorough assessment including X-rays and scans of the teeth and jaw to ensure that the patient is suited to having braces. Once this is confirmed, a treatment plan will be agreed.

Most treatment plans last between 12 to 18 months, but this will vary for each patient on an individual, case-by-case basis. Braces are usually available both privately and also under the NHS and for those patients with medical cards. Patients should speak to their orthodontist about this at the initial consultation.

Before the braces can be fitted it is important that patients maintain good oral hygiene to ensure that the teeth are ready for the treatment. Brushing and flossing twice daily is essential. Once the braces are fitted patients may experience slight discomfort and soreness of the gums as the braces rub against the sides of the mouth. This does occur occasionally however the gums will heal within a couple of days. Patients can use gels to soothe sore gums should they require.

Once the braces are fitted it is again important that patients maintain good oral hygiene, particularly after eating, as often food can accumulate around the brace, causing bacteria to build up around the gums and lead to infection. Brushing and flossing the teeth regularly will help to reduce the risk of this from happening. Follow up appointments will usually be every 6 to 8 weeks, to tighten the braces and to monitor and assess the progress being made in realigning the teeth.

Once the treatment has been completed and it is time for the braces to be removed patients will be provided with a removable plastic retainer. The purpose of this is to ensure that the aligned teeth do not start to move out of position and to maintain the seamless finish.

 

Benefits of braces

There are many benefits of having braces. Firstly they are made of metal and therefore are sturdy and durable and less likely to break. This means fewer visits to the dentist to get the braces fixed! Most importantly braces align the teeth to make them straight, resulting in a smile that patients can be happy about and giving them a confidence boost once they see the finished results. Another benefit of having braces is that patients should see an improvement in their dental health, as they will be able to maintain a higher standard of dental hygiene due to having straight teeth.